THE PROBLEM of finding housing in rural communities across Scotland will be alleviated by an initiative launched in Perthshire yesterday.

Under a new pilot scheme rural landowners and community buyouts will be able to apply for Scottish Government grants to help them build new affordable homes for rent on their land.

During a speech to the Rural Housing Service Conference 2008 in Dunkeld yesterday Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell announced Rural Homes For Rent, which will be supported by £5 million in funding over three years.

The pilot aims to open up an extra source of land for housing which owners might otherwise be unwilling to sell, and will complement the work already being done by registered social landlords (RSLs) in rural parts of Scotland.

The scheme should deliver around 100 new affordable homes for rent by 2011—and, if successful, could act as an example to be emulated on a larger scale.

“Too many people in rural Scotland are facing an uphill struggle to find an affordable home and it’s therefore absolutely crucial that we explore fresh ways of increasing the number of homes built,” said Mr Maxwell.

“This is essential for the future health of our rural communities.

He added, “Because the grant recipients already own the housing land, they won’t require as much in grant money—making it a good deal for the Scottish taxpayer too.”

The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) has been closely involved in developing the pilot.

Sarah-Jane Laing, the SRPBA’s Housing Strategy Officer, said, “The SRPBA has a large number of members eager to take up this opportunity to provide additional, good-quality rented accommodation and build on the crucial role that rural landlords already play.”

New planning policy will include guidance to local authorities on planning for new housing in rural areas.